Dear saints,

How do we come to know God?

During my college days, so much of my attempt to get to know the divine was almost all stuck in my head. God was the perfect idea, the most elegant argument, the most comprehensive solution to the problems of the world. Oxford has a strong evangelical presence in two sizable downtown churches, and I tried all I could to fit in, and failed miserably. The Christian Union leaders were zealously keen to make God reasonable to me and being Oxford, they were delighted with how clever they could sound in the process, but nothing stuck. I would moonlight on Sunday evenings, attending the evangelical sermon at St. Ebbe's before ducking out and crossing the road to the stodgy predictability of Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral. In a city brimming with people utterly confident in the human capacity to know the world, I felt adrift. By my second year, I was practically an agnostic. 

And then, rather beautifully, Desmond Tutu came to town. He had come to Oxford for a week of sermons and speaking engagements, packing the house wherever he went. I went to see him at least three times, and even got to meet him as part of a small delegation of undergraduates. On the last night of his visit, I went with a rather skeptical friend of mine to hear the Archbishop speak at the Sheldonian Theatre, perched for over an hour on one of its wooden benches. South Africa - where a group of All Saints' pilgrims will travel together next month - had just experienced its first free elections the year before and something about the promise of that achievement felt infectious. I can still remember how his final sentences moved from word, to song, to a whisper as he repeated "God loves you" over and over again. And in that moment of repetition, there it was. God beyond understanding, alive in my heart. On that gentle sunset walk back to college, I knew whose I was and it was pure gift. 

It is easy, though, to forget. 

We might be inclined to think that we forget about God by doing other things on a Sunday morning, or by neglecting to be sufficiently pious, as if saying our prayers before bed will somehow cure our spiritual amnesia. Sadly, our forgetting of God is more pernicious than that. We forget God when we choose to act in ways contrary to God's will for the world - through our selfishness, our lust for recognition and power, our fascination with our own importance, our casual to dangerous disregard for the value of other people. When our lives move counter to God’s loving and just purposes for the world the nature of the divine life becomes more imperceptible. 

In the first Genesis story of the creation of humankind the Hebrew word for God's proclamation that what had been made was 'very good', tov me’od, does not refer to humans being superior to everything else, instead it refers to the fact that now creation was whole, with everything fitting with everything else, each aligned with God's purposes. When we hurt or destroy God’s creation, human or otherwise, we do violence not only to that one created thing but to the whole created order. We rend asunder that which God has joined together and forget who and whose we are. 

Those of us who will gather to hold vigil this Saturday night for justice and peace to be known in God's world will perform an act of re-membering, of bringing back together a body politic that has been fractured. We will pray for the world to re-member God's goodness. We will pray for the wholeness of families - separated by detention, fear and despair - to be restored. We will pray to re-member the marriage of love and justice that makes for peace.

To know God is a lifelong endeavor, and much like God's kingdom of justice and peace, we can never be truly sure how close we are getting to our destination. And so, we strive. No time is better than now for people to strive to know the presence of a loving and gracious God in the world. Help the world re-member the wholeness it was made to be. Help it, through your life, to remember God such that the kingdom of the Holy One, of justice and joy, might be known upon the earth.

Peace,

Vigil for Justice & Peace

Vigil Service for Justice & Peace
Saturday, January 31, 5:00 p.m., Church & via Livestream

This Saturday evening, at 5:00p.m., All Saints’ will hold a Vigil Service for Justice and Peace in the church. We warmly invite you to attend, in-person or via livestream, so that we can lift up before God and one another the cries of God’s people and draw upon our resolve to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world. 

Please help us spread the word. Share the Facebook event.

"In this febrile hour in the life of this nation, I invite you to make your voice heard and your solidarity known. You and I are called to follow Christ Jesus, and as followers of such a Savior, we know that the dignity of every human being is a non-negotiable truth that marks the character of our life as Christians living in the world." 
Read Simon's complete letter to the parish here.

This Sunday

Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany

Sunday, February 1

• 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (Traditional language, no music)
• 9:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Contemporary language, choral music, livestream, nursery available)
• See you at 10 (Gather for coffee, doughnuts, and fellowship in the courtyard)
• 11:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Contemporary language, choral music, livestream, nursery available)
• 5:00 p.m. The Welcome Table (Contemporary language, jazz trio)

WORSHIP ONLINE: Please worship with us online! Our 9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. services, as well as the Vocation of Faith series at 10:30 a.m. will be available live at allsaintsatlanta.org/live and on youtube.com/@AllSaintsATL. Recordings will no longer be available on Facebook, but will still be immediately available on our YouTube channel.

NURSERY: Our nursery is open for children, ages birth through Pre-K, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

PARKING: Overflow parking is available at the Bank of America—please enter on North Ave. Get a validation ticket upon entry. Please request an additional validation ticket from an usher in the church narthex upon arrival or exit. Use both validation tickets upon exiting the Bank of America parking deck to park free of charge. The lot at The Varsity is under new management and is no longer available for parking. Ticketing and towing are being enforced. On Sundays, street parking is free.

Join Us for Sunday Breakfast

Sunday, 7:45 a.m. – 8:45 a.m., Ellis Hall

Come join us! Meet new families, reconnect with friends, and enjoy a delicious meal together. Cost: $12 for adults & $7 for children.

The Vocation of Faith Series: Accepting God’s Call...to Sing
with Parishioner Virginia Schenck

Sunday, February 1, 10:30 a.m. - 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall & via Livestream

The Sunday morning Vocation of Faith Series focuses on the various ways God calls us to be more fully human, as we accept God’s call to work, to see beauty, to dream, to sing, and to plant. Especially in times of crisis, it is vital that we connect with the deepest parts of our humanity. In this series, parishioner-presenters will share how the practice helps us grow closer to God or helps us be the people God intends us to be. For more information contact Jenny McBride at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Parenting with God

Sundays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m., Ross Room

Parents will gather each Sunday to discuss articles, topics of interest, and just check in with each other. We will still meet once a month to walk through the book Parables: Putting Jesus' Stories in their Place by Josh Scott. The next book discussion is Feb. 22.

Jesus on the Front Page - Don't Miss Our Guest Speakers

Sundays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m., Parish Hall 307 

In this weekly, Sunday morning, nonpartisan discussion of a current news story, participants ask where God might be found in this story as we notice signs of grace, engage the scriptures, and learn to name our lament as well as our hope. All are welcome to join the class for the next three Sundays as we welcome three Christians who work under the Gold Dome in the city of Atlanta: City Councilman Matt Westmoreland will lead a reflection on housing on January 25; parishioner Mary Margaret Oliver will lead the discussion on February 1 & 15; and parishioner and Senator Elena Parent will be our guest on February 22. Email Clark Lemons (clemons@emory.edu) if you have questions! 

The Welcome Table: Sunday Evening Worship Service and Dinner  

Sundays at 5:00 p.m., In the Chapel and Ellis Hall  

We invite you to come to The Welcome Table, a service with singing, communion and prayer accompanied by The Welcome Table Jazz trio. A community dinner for all participants follows the service in Ellis Hall. The cost is $10 for adults and no charge for children under 18 years of age.

Shining in the City: There is still time!

As we step into this new year, we offer deep gratitude for the generosity that sustained our ministries throughout 2025. If you haven’t made your pledge for 2026, we invite you to do so. Your commitment allows us to begin the year with clarity, confidence, and hope.

Every gift matters and makes a difference! Pledge online today. 

Completing Your 2025 Pledge: If you have a remaining balance on your 2025 pledge, there is time to fulfill it. Every gift helps us.

All Saints' offers easy ways to pay your pledge or to make a gift:

Give online: allsaintsatlanta.org/give

Mail a check: to All Saints’ Church, 634 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30308

During Services: put a check, cash, or the tear-out card in the offering plate

QR code: one-time gifts

Direct Electronic Transfer: gift stocks and securities

Our Charles Schwab account is: ”All Saints’ Episcopal Church”

Account#: 1084-6679

DTC#: 0164 Code: 40 

Text to Give: text AllSaintsAtlanta to 73256

Put a check or cash into the offering plate during the services, gift stocks or securities

Cornerstone Committee Volunteers Needed

Help ensure the stewardship, sustainability, and long-term impact of All Saints’ continue. The Cornerstone (Planned Giving) Committee is seeking parishioners who can bring a fresh perspective and thoughtful ideas to help shape the future of our church for generations to come. No financial background required, just a heart for mission and interest in faithful financial planning. Contact Julie Lockhart at jlockhart@allsaintsatlanta.org to learn more.

Have You Moved Recently? Let the church know your new address and contact information! To update these details, contact our Membership Coordinator, Betsey Gibbs, at bgibbs@allsaintsatlanta.org.

WORSHIP & MUSIC

All Saint's Chorale Open Rehearsal "Sings"

Monday, February 2, 7:00 p.m., Choir Room

The All Saints’ Chorale shall reconvene this Spring for two open rehearsal “sings.” A second gathering will follow in May. All are warmly invited to come and sing, and to hear of stirring plans for the autumn season, culminating in a Christmas concert of uncommon splendor—such as All Saints’ has not yet known. Contact Justin Maxey at jmaxey@allsaintsatlanta.org for more information.

Children’s Choirs Musical: Esther, book and music by Erik Whitehill

Sunday, February 8, 10:20 a.m. – 11:05 a.m., Ellis Hall and via Livestream

Presented by Primary and Junior Children’s Choirs, join us for our musical, Esther, book and music by Erik Whitehill. All are welcome to come support our young singers and experience this powerful and joyful telling of a beloved, timeless biblical story! The daring, triumphant story of Esther is brought vividly to life as we travel to the citadel of Susa, where she becomes queen and then faces the decision of her life: will she trust in God and find the courage to save her people? Will the wicked Haman prevail, or will the faithful Mordecai inspire Esther to act? Our children’s choirs are sure to inspire you to seek God and discover how you, too, were made “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

Trumpet Star to Debut New Album at Jazz at All Saints'

Friday, February 13, 7:00 p.m., Church

Jazz at All Saints’ lights up Atlanta’s jazz scene when Darren English premieres his new album, “He Said/She Said,” for an American audience in his 7:00 p.m. concert in the church. Make plans to join the celebration of what has been described as “an exciting new work of art” by this young trumpet master and stay for the reception that follows in Ellis Hall. Get your ticket ($25/adult, $15/student) for this

special event at allsaintsatlanta.org/jazz/. 

Composer of the Week

Dr. Robert A. Harris is currently a Professor Emeritus at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. He also serves as Director of Music and Choirmaster at the Winnetka Congregational Church in Winnetka, IL. Dr. Harris held the position of Professor of Conducting and Director of Choral Organizations at NYU from 1977 to 2012. Active as a conductor, composer, clinician, lecturer and adjudicator, he has also held guest professorships in conducting at Wayne State University in Detroit, the University of Texas in Austin, and the University of South Africa in Pretoria. His “Solemn processional”, this morning’s organ prelude, was originally composed for the wedding service of two close friends and marked Harris's first work for solo organ.

ADULT FORMATION

The School of the Spirit | Encountering Scripture: The Psalms

Wednesdays, January 14 - February 4, 2026, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Hybrid P305/306 or via Zoom

Join us for the next School of the Spirit four-week course on the Psalms, taught by Candler Foundry’s Ryan Bonfiglio, one of All Saints’ favorite instructors. We will examine ancient Israel’s prayerbook and how it probes the depths of faith with stunning honesty and vulnerability. Emphasis will be placed on how the Psalms can inspire us to dig deeper wells of spirituality in our own lives today. Email Jenny 

McBride for the Zoom link at jmcbride@allsaintsatlanta.org.

St. Hildegard's New 20s and 30s Women’s Chapter Forming 

First meeting Sunday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Ross Room

Women in their 20s and 30s are invited to join a new women's chapter forming at All Saints’. We will gather for our first event with wine, cheese, and a flower bouquet workshop led by parishioner and verger Alvin Moore. The evening will also include an introduction to St. Hildegard of Bingen and spiritual discussion inspired by her legacy. Future meetings will include monthly formation potlucks for spiritual conversation, as well as opportunities for social gatherings and service. To register for the workshop, register at https://bit.ly/sthchapter and for more information contact Elizabeth Beck at ebeck.uga@gmail.com or Ani Hildebrandt at anihildebrandt93@gmail.com. 

The Journey Bible Study

Mondays, 11:00 a.m., Zoom

Chapter by chapter, book by book, we are learning together about what the Scripture really says according to the best scholarship of today. Currently, we are studying the prophet, Amos. All are welcome. To join the group, contact Karen Evans at kevans@allsaintsatlanta.org. 

Novel Theology

Wednesdays, February 11, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., P201 or via Zoom

The Man in the Wooden Hat, the second novel in the Old Filth trilogy, tells the story of Filth and Betty's marriage, this time from Betty's perspective. Join us as we discuss a portrait of a marriage, with all the bittersweet secrets and surprising fulfillment of the fifty-year union of two remarkable people. Email Laura Trott at Lmtrott@gmail.com for more information.

PARISH LIFE

The Name Tag Nook: Name Tag Station in Parish House

Name tags are stored in a custom-built vestibule in the Parish House. You are part of our community, and we want everyone to know your name! Click here to request a nametag.

2028-2029 Vestry Nominations

We welcome nominations for 2028-2029 Vestry leadership from all eligible parish members who are confirmed and over eighteen, who regularly attend worship and who have made a financial pledge to the church. Between Friday, January 30 and Friday, February 27, Vestry nominations may be submitted either by email or written notice to the Rector's Executive Assistant, Tracey Sage, tsage@allsaintsatlanta.org. Vestry members will be elected during the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, April 12.

Wednesday Night Supper

Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Ellis Hall

Join us for a wonderful meal and companionship on Wednesday nights.

• Adults (18+): $16

• Children (5–17): $7

• Children (4 and under): Free

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Children’s Church (Sundays)

2nd fl Pritchett, gathering 8:15 a.m. - 8:45 a.m., service in the church at 9:00 a.m.

Children’s Formation (Sundays)

2nd fl Pritchett, 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m. Doors open after See You at Ten (10:00 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.) in courtyard.

Youth Formation (Sundays)

3rd fl Pritchett (The Attic), 10:30 a.m. - 11:10 a.m.

Doors open after See You at Ten (10:00 a.m. -10:25 a.m.) in courtyard.

SNL & Y’all Saints (Sundays)

3rd fl Pritchett (The Attic), 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 
SNL & Y’all Saints will take a break on February 8 for the Super Bowl. We will see you on February 15.

Children’s Choirs (Wednesdays)

• Cherub Choir (PK-K) 4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Primary Choir (Grades 1-2): 4:35 p.m. - 5:10 p.m.
• Junior Choir (Grades 3-6): 5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Through February 22)
• Junior Handbells (Grades 4-6): 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. (Returns February 22)

Youth Choir (Grade 7-12) (Sundays)

No youth choir on February 1, 8 and 15. We will resume on February 22.

YOUNG ADULTS

Young Adult Fellowship Online! 

Are you in your 20s or 30s and interested in fellowship, discipleship and service? Reach out to Piper Shifflett at youngadults@allsaintsatlanta.org to receive our monthly newsletter, get added to the WhatsApp group chat and find out what events we have coming up! 

St. Hildegard's New 20s and 30s Women’s Chapter Forming 

First meeting Sunday, February 15, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Ross Room

Women in their 20s and 30s are invited to join a new women's chapter forming at All Saints’. We will gather for our first event with wine, cheese, and a flower bouquet workshop led by parishioner and verger Alvin Moore. The evening will also include an introduction to St. Hildegard of Bingen and spiritual discussion inspired by her legacy. Future meetings will include monthly formation potlucks for spiritual conversation, as well as opportunities for social gatherings and service. To register for the workshop, register at https://bit.ly/sthchapter and for more information contact Elizabeth Beck at ebeck.uga@gmail.com or Ani Hildebrandt at anihildebrandt93@gmail.com. 

Big MAC Bash: Buy Tickets Now!

Saturday, February 28, The Temple, Midtown Atlanta

All Saints’ is a founding congregation of Midtown Assistance Center (MAC), which for 40 years has helped hardworking Atlantans avoid eviction, keep the lights on, and put food on the table. To celebrate this milestone, MAC is hosting its first-ever Big MAC Bash, and All Saints’ is warmly invited. This festive evening will include neighborhood-inspired food stations, live jazz by the Joe Alterman Trio, and special recognition of Dorothy Chandler, MAC’s Director Emeritus, whose leadership helped shape MAC’s legacy. Dressy casual with a bold twist—come ready for joy, connection, and celebration. All ticket proceeds support MAC’s mission to serve hardworking families and individuals in 10 Atlanta zip codes. Tickets & details:

https://midtownassistancecenter.org/big-mac-bash/.

Refugee Ministries Community Builders Groups

Refugee Ministries is excited to announce the formation of Community Builders groups that will run from February through May. This is an opportunity for returning and new

volunteers to offer welcome and hospitality to some of the 65 refugee families in our program and to get to know each other. We will have Community Builders Groups for East and Central Africa, Islam (Muslim families from Afghanistan and Myanmar), LGBTQ refugees, Latin America, and Ethnically Karen Burmese. Volunteers will be asked to commit to one reflection meeting and one volunteer act. Each group will have a big celebratory dinner with culturally relevant food and arts. To learn more email louisam@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Threads Performing Arts Camp: Volunteers Needed!

We are excited to host our 2nd Annual Threads Performing Arts Camp, June 8–12, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. This camp provides a safe, enriching summer experience for the children Threads serves, inviting them to explore the arts in a supportive and joyful environment. Planning is underway, and we are inviting more of the parish to partner in ministry at the camp this year. We are looking for volunteers to help make this week a success. 
Volunteer opportunities include:

• Assisting with meals and snacks

• Classroom assistants to teaching artists

• Supervising students

• Reading to students

• Other supportive duties throughout the day

There are many ways to serve, and your time and presence will make a meaningful difference for our campers.

To volunteer, please sign up here, or email Emily Halbert at ehalbert@allsaintsatlanta.org or Marcia Mayfield at mmayfield@allsaintsatlanta.org.

Threads Welcomes Families For Shopping

At Threads, every Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., our doors open wide to welcome families for in store shopping — not just for clothing, but for a sense of comfort, dignity, and a renewed sense of hope and joy. If you’ve ever wanted to make a meaningful difference, this is your invitation. Whether you can lend a few hours or come regularly, your presence matters. You’ll be part of a beautiful mission that wraps families in love.

There are many ways that you can help Threads Kids

• Drop off gently worn, clean children’s clothes

• Shop our Amazon wish list: bit.ly/ASECThreadsWishlist

• Make a financial contribution and be sure to click Threads Donation in the drop box: https://onrealm.org/AllSaintsEpisco85474/-/form/give/now

Thank you for caring.

Faith & Justice Collective

A great way to stay updated! This month's Faith & Justice Newsletter includes:

• Men’s Spirituality Group Host a Simple Meal with a Powerful Impact
• F&J Luncheon Focuses on Innovative Healthcare in the Rural South
• Parishioners Support Immigrants at ICE Headquarters
• Concert and Guest Preacher Headline MLK, Jr. Weekend
• Start the New Year in a Sacred Ground Dialogue Circle
• MAC Celebrates 40 Years of Family Support
• Learn How to Exert Influence at the State Legislature

Share Your Photos! Share Your Expertise!

Did you know that you can submit photographs of All Saints’ events to share with the Communications Team? If you want to make a habit of it, join the Photography Guild! Contact Kathy Powell at communications@allsaintsatlanta.org.